Traumatic disruption of a right aortic arch

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Trauma Surgery
• Anatomical Variations

Background:

• Right aortic arch is a rare congenital anomaly.
• Traumatic aortic injuries typically occur in patients with a standard left aortic arch.
• The ligamentum arteriosum's role in aortic injury genesis is not fully understood.

Observation:

• A patient with a right aortic arch experienced a traumatic disruption of the thoracic aorta.
• The injury occurred despite the unusual anatomical configuration.
• Surgical intervention was performed via a right lateral thoracotomy.

Findings:

• This is the first reported case of traumatic thoracic aortic disruption in a patient with a right aortic arch.
• Aortic fixation by the ligamentum arteriosum was identified as a significant factor in the injury.
• Early aortography is essential for diagnosis in such cases.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of considering traumatic aortic injury in patients with right aortic arch.
• Underscores the necessity of prompt aortography for diagnosis.
• Demonstrates the efficacy of right lateral thoracotomy for surgical access in this unique presentation.